DB Cargo UK gets behind NCHSR

Doncaster’s new National College for High Speed Rail (NCHSR) is an “enormous opportunity for the whole rail industry”, according to Hans-Georg Werner, chief executive of Doncaster-based DB Cargo UK (the UK’s largest rail freight company) (uk.dbcargo.com).

He said: “While the NCHSR (nchsr.ac.uk) has an important role to play in supporting the development of HS2, the ‘state of the art’ training and opportunities being offered in Doncaster will be relevant to drivers, engineers and ground-staff around the entire UK rail network.

“DB Cargo UK is leading the next generation of rail freight, and we look forward to working closely with the college’s chief executive — Clair Mowbray — and her team on shaping the experience and opportunities they offer.”

During his visit, Mr Werner presented the college with a pantograph — the apparatus on top of an electric train that collects power from an overhead catenary wire — which will be used in the training of students.

In return, Ms Mowbray presented him with a certificate and a plaque, acknowledging DB Cargo’s on-going support. She said: “The NCHSR is focused on delivering the skills training that is required to modernise rail.

“The UK’s engineering workforce is currently falling short by around 69,000 engineers every year. It is our challenge to work towards solving the skills gap that Britain faces, as it invests billions of pounds in modernising the rail network and the wider transport infrastructure.

By working with industry partners like DB Cargo, we can ensure that the range of opportunities reflects the needs of all aspects of the rail industry.”

The NCHSR has a second campus — in Birmingham — and there will be Open Days taking place at both locations this month (21 March in Birmingham; 28 March in Doncaster).

Those interested in attending or exhibiting — can register at: www.nchsr.ac.uk.